SPEAKING ACTIVITIES

GIVING ADVICE. MAKING SUGGESTIONS.

USING REPORTED SPEECH IN A CONVERSATION.
Suggesting a solution to a problem
“It’s time” expression

We can use the expression to refer to the present moment:

it’s time + subject + past verb form

Gosh! It’s almost midnight. It’s time we went home.

Not: It’s time we go home.

It’s time with a verb in the to-infinitive form can refer to the speaker and the listener together:
Come on. It’s time to start packing. We have to leave in two hours. (or It’s time we started packing.)
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Other ways to use “It’s time” expression

1)To express that the time for doing something has arrived or had arrived.
• Patterns:
• it is/it’s/it was time + for + noun/noun phrase
• it is/it’s/it was time + verb phrase (to-infinitive)

• Examples:
• I’m hungry. It’s time for lunch.
• Yesterday I decided it was time to go home when I saw most people
leaving.
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Other ways to use “It’s time” expression

2) To express that you think something should be done and that we think it sho
uld have been done before.
• Pattern:
• it is/it’s/it was (about/high) time + subject + sentence (past tense)

• Examples:
• It’s about time you talked to him, he’s been waiting outside for
hours.
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Other ways to use “It’s time” expression

This second usage is quite confusing for many people since we are using the

past tense to refer to hypothetical future events. Nowadays this expression is

sometimes seen in the present tense, but the traditionally accepted pattern

uses the past for this expression.

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Practicing
Split into pairs. Each pair will have to pick 2 situations and give the responses using “it’s time” express
ion. So, firstly one student in a pair is making up a response for the first situation, and then the other
one for the second situation.

Example:
My cat is behaving really weird recently. => It’s time you took her to a vet for a check up.

The expressions "it's high time" and "it's about time“ are designed to attract criticism.

Example:
I haven't talked to Adaline for nearly two weeks. I’m still mad at her. = > It's high time you called her and
talked about the situation.
Giving Advice / Making Suggestions
Sentence patterns for giving advice

You should...
I suggest...
Why don't...
If I were you...
How about...
My advice would be...
Have you thought...
Giving Advice / Making Suggestions
Examples for giving advice

Split into groups, make up a problem and give a piece of advice

using each of the patterns, like in the following example:

I suggest (that) you go to the dentist.

Why don't you go to the dentist?
If I were you I would go to the dentist.
Giving Advice / Making Suggestions
Examples for giving advice

Write down two (or more) problems and suggestions that the

following type of people might have:

• students

• workers

• the elderly
Rephrasing with the help of causative verbs

Causative Verbs (MAKE - GET - HAVE - HELP - LET)

The verbs ‘make’, ‘get’, ‘have’, 'help' and ‘let’ are the most common causative verbs in English.
They are called causative verbs because they cause something else to happen.
Other causative verbs include : enable, allow, keep, hold, force, require, persuade.
Rephrasing with the help of causative verbs

Causative Verbs (MAKE - GET - HAVE - HELP - LET)

• MAKE: force or compel someone to do something.

Grammatical structure: MAKE + PERSON + VERB (base form)

•She made her children do their homework before going to bed.

•His grandmother made her grandson send a postcard to his parents.
•Their parents made the boys clean the house after the party.
Rephrasing with the help of causative verbs

Causative Verbs (MAKE - GET - HAVE - HELP - LET)

• GET: arrange for someone to do something.

Grammatical structure: GET + PERSON + TO + VERB

•I’ll get the architect to modify the plans.

•The teacher got the children to tidy up the classroom.
•The old lady got the boy next door to mow her lawn.
Rephrasing with the help of causative verbs

Causative Verbs (MAKE - GET - HAVE - HELP - LET)

• HAVE: ask or request somebody to do something

Grammatical structures:
1) HAVE + PERSON + VERB (base form)

• I’ll have my assistant call you to confirm the date.

• The architect had his secretary make copies of the plans.
• The surgeon had the nurse take the patient's temperature.
Rephrasing with the help of causative verbs

Causative Verbs (MAKE - GET - HAVE - HELP - LET)

• HAVE: ask or request somebody to do something

Grammatical structures:
2) HAVE + THING + PAST PARTICIPLE

• I need to have a photograph taken for my new passport.

• They had their house painted before putting it up for sale.
• My car has broken down; I need to have it repaired.
Rephrasing with the help of causative verbs

Causative Verbs (MAKE - GET - HAVE - HELP - LET)

• HELP: assist someone, or make it possible or easier for them to do something

Grammatical structure: HELP + PERSON/THING + VERB (base form)

The use of the infinitive with 'to' after the verb help is also common.
Both are grammatical, and there is no difference in meaning.

Example: help someone do something - OR - help someone to do something).

• The dictionary helped him understand the meaning.

• Her new glasses help the old lady read more easily.
• Intensive preparation helped the athlete win the race.
Rephrasing with the help of causative verbs

Causative Verbs (MAKE - GET - HAVE - HELP - LET)

• LET: permit or allow something to happen

Grammatical structure: LET + PERSON/THING + VERB (base form)

• Eva’s father won’t let her drive his car.

• You shouldn’t let your children watch unsuitable programs.
• Tom was careful not to let the dog sit on the sofa.
Rephrasing with the help of causative verbs

Causative Verbs (MAKE - GET - HAVE - HELP - LET)

Note: The verbs allow and permit are more formal ways of saying “let.”
However, with allow and permit, we use to with the verb:

• I don’t allow my children to watch violent programs on television.

• Our teacher does not permit us to eat lunch in the classroom.
• Our school permits students to use the sports facilities after school hours.
• My mother allows me to drive her car.
Rephrasing with the help of causative verbs

Causative Verbs (MAKE - GET - HAVE - HELP - LET)

Now you will be given the situations. Ask your partner to rephrase the sentences with a causative
verb. Use a dialogue similar to the one below to rephrase the statements.

A: Yesterday, I forced my husband to clean the bathtub.

B: So you’re saying that you made him clean the bathtub?
A: Exactly!

*note: the auxiliary verbs have and get are similar in meaning.
Resources
• https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/it-s-time
• https://www.learn-english-today.com/lessons/lesson_contents/verbs/causative-verbs-make-get-ha
ve-let.html
• https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/grammar/b1-b2-grammar/reported-speech-1-statements